Rudd appoints female G-G

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Australia is to get its first female governor-general, with the
announcement today that Quentin Bryce, the Governor of Queensland,
will take up the post when Major General Michael Jeffery steps
down.

Ms Bryce is a former Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner,
inaugural director of the Queensland Women's Information Service
and founding chairwoman and chief executive officer of the National
Childcare Accreditation Council.

The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, said Ms Bryce had an outstanding
record of service to the entire Australian community and was highly
qualified for the role of governor-general.

Major General Jeffery's term is due to expire in September.

Mr Rudd said Ms Bryce would become Australia's 25th
governor-general. She has been appointed to a five-year term.

Ms Bryce, who was appointed the 24th Governor of Queensland in
July 2003, had been an inspiring governor, serving with great
distinction, Mr Rudd said.

"Ms Bryce has an outstanding record of service to the entire
Australian community," he said in a statement.

"She is highly qualified for the role of governor-general. Ms
Bryce has enjoyed a rich and dynamic career as a lawyer, academic
and senior public office holder."

Ms Bryce and her husband, Adjunct Professor Michael Bryce AM AE,
were married in 1964. They have two daughters, three sons and five
grandchildren.

"On behalf of the Government and the people of Australia, I
extend very sincere congratulations to Ms Bryce," Mr Rudd said.

Mr Rudd said Major General Jeffery had a very distinguished term
of service in this high office.

"On behalf of the Government and the people of Australia I
record our deep appreciation of Major General Jeffery's services to
his country and our great respect for the outstanding way he has
carried out his duties as governor-general," he said.

"Major General Jeffery has a long and admirable record of
service to the community.

"Not only has he served as Governor-General of Australia, but he
was also the governor of Western Australia from 1993 to 2003."

He said Major General Jeffery, who served in the Vietnam war,
held a number of very senior posts in the Australian Army,
including as the first commanding officer of the SAS regiment.

"I hope that he and his wife Marlena will continue to enjoy good
health and happiness in the years ahead,'' Mr Rudd said.

"I wish Major General Jeffery and Mrs Jeffery the very best for
their future.''

Ms Bryce will succeed Major General Jeffery on September 5.

More than four out of five people polled last week said they would
support a female successor to Major General Jeffery. Enthusiasm was
nearly as high among men as women, and crossed all age groups.